Publisher's Description

At twenty-six, Paul Matthews has attained wealth, position, and popularity as a financial manager in one of New York’s leading companies. His life of fast cars, expensive restaurants, and beautiful women is the envy of his peers and one he believes will keep him satisfied—until Brooke comes into his life. Brooke’s beauty captures his attention the moment he sets eyes on her. Her intelligence, talent, and strong character cause him to consider what part she may play in his life. Her strong faith, however, reminds him of a past he has long tried to forget, one he rejected long ago and to which vowed never to return.

When a series of high-risk financial decisions prove to be profitable for the company and their clients, Paul is promoted and given access to secrets within the company—illegal activity that could bring the company, its executives and stockholders to ruin. A wealthy and influential foreign business executive, Marcus Reed, befriends Paul and reveals to him the great power and success that can be his if he is willing to compromise his moral principles and accept these secrets as necessary business practices.

Paul must decide whether he will continue his path of corruption in order to maintain his lavish lifestyle or listen to the voice within, the voice awakened by Brooke’s faith, urging him to make the honorable choice—a choice that would cost him his wealth, position and perhaps even his life.

I have just finished reading The First Rose of Summer. It was exciting to watch the characters come to life and feel part of their world. The story was an interesting and enjoyable read and one that will draw you in to a desire for a closer relationship with God no matter what your relationship now.

Eileen Parsons managed to weave the truth of the Gospel throughout the novel. Her characters are believable, their faith is contagious and the message of encouragement abounds for everyone throughout the story.

I believe this book is more than just a "good read." It speaks truth to all who will read it. Whether you are a believer or not this book excels in interest, in truth, and encouragement. This is a page turner that is well worth reading!

I love to read but seldom have time.I couldn't put this book down.I would get up an hour early just so I could have time to read this amazing book!!The author takes you down the road that we often see family and friends travel on.As we wonder what to do to get them on track,she shows us how "God" works and listens to our prayers.Read it.You won't regret it!!!

Author/Artist Review

Tell us a little about yourself. I've always loved to write. Even in my childhood, I spent hours writing stories and poems. In high school, I was on the yearbook staff and newspaper staff. I won the Newspapers in Education Award with the Augusta Chronicle in my Junior Year. I attended Augusta State University, majoring in Communications and Creative Writing. Since then, I've written articles for the Good Newspaper in Syracuse, NY as well as various local Christian publications and newsletters. It has long been my desire to write stories and novels that would inspire Christians to move closer to the Lord and draw the unsaved into the Truth of Christ.
I was born in Watertown, NY, but father was in the Army, so we move around a lot. I lived in many different places, including Germany. I spent most of my youth, however, in Augusta, Georgia. I gave my life to Christ as a child. Challenges in my early adulthood pulled me away from my faith for a time, but God's merciful love drew me back to Him. My life is proof of what God will do when you let Him have His way! I now live in Upstate New York with my husband, Eric and our dog, Sophie.

What was your motivation behind this project? I've had the core of the novel in my head (and scribbled in notebooks!) since I was in High School. The characters and events seemed to stay alive within me over those years. I had the opportunity to leave my office job and stay home to write full-time two and a half years ago. God opened the door and ran through!

What do you hope folks will gain from this project? I want people to see, through the characters in the novel, that God will never leave you. Whatever choices you face, whatever difficulties you are plunged into, God is there as your shield and strength. Whether you've served Him your entire life or turned away during the dark times, He will always be with you. You need only to call out to Him and surrender it all to Him and He will bring you through.

How were you personally impacted by working on this project? There were moments when fear overwhelmed me. The "what if I fail?" questions would swirl around in me head and overpowered the voices of my characters and the leading of the Spirit. During those times, God would send just the right person my way to reassure me that if what I was doing was indeed from the Lord, it would not fail. I drew closer to the Lord during those months, knowing that it was only through Him and by Him it could ever happen. My relationship with Him is stronger now than it was before.

Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? There are so many! My absolute favorite Christian fiction authors would have to be Davis Bunn, Francine Rivers, and Jerry Jenkins. Whenever I feel the need to spend a few hours with "an old friend," I will pull out "The Book of Hours," "Redeeming Love," or one of the Left Behind books and savor each word. Non-Fiction - I'd have to say Patsy Clairmont and Marilyn Meberg. They are absolute treasures to Christian women (and men) who want real-life, God-centered insight.

Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: When God calls, answer. Don't let fear hold you back from accomplishing what God has called you to do. If your dreams are from the Lord, He will open the doors and make a way. Your part is to walk through and let Him lead you on the journey!